This thesis looks at the relation between the English language and the Australian place. I have studied the vocabulary used by English speakers in Australia in the twentieth century of this geographical place and its environment, and how this vocabulary both constructs multiple and sometimes contesting 'Australias' and positions the settler in particular relations to this place. Although English has occupied Australia for over a century by the time this study begins, the analysis exposes the tensions, the gaps and the unease present in the use of a European language in the Australian place.